Why you should Play Hockey

combining pace and stamina over a period of time. However, there are few other sports which require the amount of conditioning that hockey calls for.
Today we will discuss the benefits of this sport, when practiced on a regular basis.

There are many forms of hockey played all over the world, with field hockey and ice hockey being the most popular. All forms are however, based on a few common, simple rules – use a stick to dribble, pass and shoot a ball or a puck – along the pitch, to score goals.

Develops upper and lower body strength

The most obvious and visible benefit of hockey is the development of stronger and well-defined muscles. Being a sport interspersed with bursts of speed and energy, it definitely requires leg strength. The quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and hip muscles grow stronger with practice. One also should not ignore the effort it takes to hold a hockey stick throughout a game. Triceps, forearms, shoulder muscles are the focus areas to increase endurance.

Reduces body fat

The average field hockey player weighing around 70 kilos burns about 510 calories per hour. Combined with a calorie-controlled diet, this causes the body to burn fat-tissue. This in turn improves the body’s fat percentage – the muscle-to-fat ratio.

Develops the cardiovascular system

Hockey requires sustained energy levels and all-round muscular strength. This only serves to increase the blood circulation and lung capacity. This in turn, feeds the muscles with more oxygen. This improves breathing, stamina as well as cellular activity. If we maintain a healthy diet along with a physical activity, we do not fall sick as often.

Hand-eye coordination and reflexes

Hockey is also a game filled with tricks and flicks. This requires good coordination between the eyes and the hands. It aids in improving reflexes and reaction times of the players. The puck may travel as fast as 95 miles per hour. This is a good indication of the split-second reaction times that one requires in order to play hockey. Off the field training will play a very important role in honing these skills.

Improves intuitive communication

Playing in a team of 11 is no mean feat. It requires sound communication and team skills towards working for a common goal. All of this, while ensuring that the opposition do not get wind of our plans. It involves communication via gestures and ‘eye messages’.

Turns you into a fighter!

If you’re playing ice hockey, then be prepared to deal in hard blows! As per rules followed in North America, formally regulated fighting is a part and parcel of the game. Fighting is done by ‘enforcers’ – players whose very role is to intimidate the opposition and pick up fights. Fighting is allowed as it deters other types of foul play and negative tactics. It also allows a team to protect its most important players. This creates a sense of solidarity among teammates.

Feel Good factor

The body releases endorphins when we exercise. High quantities of endorphins in the brain lead to a sense of euphoria and accomplishment. They also help suppress pain, both emotionally and physically. (Health, MensXP.com)